Virage Officially Discontinued

Aston Martin’s lineup is about to get a little less confusing; in a release detailing revisions for the 2013 Aston Martin DB9, the automaker has confirmed the discontinuation of the Virage. With the 2013 DB9 moving slightly upmarket, the British sports car maker is streamlining its GT offerings.

The new 2013 Aston Martin DB9 receives a version of the brand’s 5.9-liter V-12 tuned to 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, increases of 40 hp and 14 lb-ft over the previous model. Those numbers are achieved thanks to a revised engine block and head design, along with the addition of dual variable valve timing, larger throttle bodies, higher-rated fuel pump, improved intake manifold, and machined combustion chambers. Aston Martin estimates the 0-60 mph time at 4.6 seconds with a 183-mph top speed. Considering we clocked a 2012 Aston Martin Virage with the same six-speed automatic from 0-60 mph at 4.2 seconds, the DB9 estimate is probably conservative.The 2013 DB9 integrates styling elements of the Virage, including a strip of LED daytime running lights in the HID headlights. A carbon fiber front splitter is available through the exterior Carbon Pack. The opening in the front valance is enlarged to direct air to the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Those brakes, supplied by Brembo, include cross-drilled carbon ceramic matrix discs, which Aston Martin says reduces weight by 27.5 pounds compared to the previous DB9’s cast iron setup.

The DB9 also gains Aston’s next-gen Adaptive Damping System, which offers three modes. Normal mode tunes the suspension for comfort, while Sport and Track modes deliver increasingly stiffer settings. A number of 20-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard, as are full-grain leather interior, power sports seats with memory, satellite navigation, a rearview camera, and what Aston Martin calls Organic Electroluminescent displays. Like the outgoing Virage, the new DB9 features glass buttons and switchgear. A leather headliner is offered as an option, and carbon fiber interior accents are available through the interior Carbon Pack.Deliveries of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will begin in November, with the model priced starting at $185,400.Source: Aston Martin

Glad that Aston will be replacing the Virage with this new DB9. With the revised styling, there's really no room for the Virage to coexist, even IF it could be argued that it had enough place to exist in the first place.
This also represents somewhat of a bargain; the Virage coupe costs about $210,000 whereas this new DB9 should be about $25k cheaper for seemingly identical performance (anyone who has had to pay $10k for a set of these as a Porsche option or $20k(!) for a Ferrari option surely appreciates this addition).
Astons continue to be absolutely beautiful cars from every angle. The subtle retouches to the interior help keep it looking fresh nearly a decade after its debut. The craftsmanship on display is just amazing!